While the world’s view of Indian cuisine has been limited to the celebrity status provided on dishes such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Paneer Butter Masala or Biryani, much of the richness in flavor and spice still lies undiscovered like relics which may be lost in time forever. This is precisely why we began the tradition of journeying over the length and breadth of India’s rich and lush landscape with the majestic land of Rajasthan because it is one of India’s best destinations where you will find unique ingredients and flavors.
Discovering the Taste of Rajasthan
This cuisine is mainly vegetarian and uses ingredients such as besan, asafoetida, fenugreek, pudina, chaat masala and garam masala. Ghee, nuts, yogurt and raisins are rich staples in most Rajasthani curries. One of its unique ingredients used to add a splash of bright color to the dishes is the mathania chili and is still considered one of the underrated places in India.
Rajasthan is one of the best peaceful places to visit in India. The Rajasthani palate seems to have a strong instinct for the rich flavors of shrikhand, marinated with saffron and cardamom. Regarding the more unique preparations in Rajasthani cuisine, Ker and Sangri are commonly featured in their pickles and other dishes. They share their enthusiasm for milk-based products, such as Lassi, Badam Milk and Makhaniya Lassi, with the rest of the country.
From these legendary rajasthani places, some of the traditional mouth-watering specialities emerged:
Few Chosen Ones:
The cuisine of Rajasthan is as wide as the state and is as varied and colorful as its inhabitants! The dishes differ from each other presenting your palate with a wide range of experiences. From basic preparation to elaborate meals, you will have different options to choose from.
Ghewar
For all the sweet lovers, having Ghewar is an experience in itself. This dish is prepared by making round cakes of wheat flour with sugar syrup poured on them. It comes in various flavors such as plain, desi ghee, paneer and mawa. Paneer Ghewar, garnished with Paneer, is quite popular for its unique flavor.
This sweet is generally prepared during festive seasons such as for Makar Sankranti in January, in March-April for Gangaur and in July-August for the Teej festival.he shop, try out other sweets like Misri Mawa, Gulab Sakri and Rasmalai as well.
Dal-Bati & Churma
Dal Bati Churma is one of the most widely known dishes of Rajasthan and comparatively takes longer time for cooking as it includes three separate preparations. It is served mostly at lunch and dinner.
It constitutes Dal(lentil), Bati (baked wheat balls) and Choorma (sweet cereal powder). Bati which are hard balls of whole wheat millet or a mix of maize and wheat dough are traditionally roasted over coals with loads of ghee and are eaten with Dal which is a lentil soup.
Churma is coarsely ground wheat crushed and cooked with ghee and sugar/jaggery. The dish tastes better if more ghee is used.
You have various kinds of Bati and Churma. There are plain bati, exotic masala bati, dry fruit bati and missi batis to choose from. The color of Churma also differs with the difference in the ingredients used – wheat or maize or millet which are then mixed with desiccated coconut, khoya, or even raisins and dry fruits.
This is one of the dishes that can be prepared for all the functions and all kinds of ceremonies. Be it religious occasions or wedding ceremonies or birthday parties or for daily consumption, Dal Bati Churma ensures a perfect meal.
Khud khargosh
Khud Khargosh is one of the most loved non-vegetarian delicacies of Rajasthan. It is prepared from Hare, Although you find Ghewar in most of the sweet shops in Rajasthan, Panner Ghewar of Laxmi Misthan Bhandar (LMB) which is situated at Johri Bazaar in Jaipur is a must try. And when you are in tor rabbit meat and cooked in a pit. This is especially prepared during the summer season when the hare is lean.
For Khud Khargosh, the hare is skinned and stuffed with spices, and then wrapped in dough and finally in layers of mud-soaked cloth. This result is a perfect blend of meat with spices and dough with an exceptional taste.
Laal Maas
A culinary gem in Rajasthani Cuisine, this tantalizing meat curry features juicy pieces of mutton or lamb, slow-cooked to perfection. What sets Laal Maas apart is its vibrant red hue, achieved through the generous use of fiery red chillies that infuse the gravy with intense heat and a distinct, piquant taste. It is a must-try for those who relish the thrill of savoring a truly spicy and flavourful dish that reflects the robust essence of Rajasthan.
Pickles
The spicy side dish heavy with authentic flavors- are essential to Rajasthani cuisine. These play a crucial role in enhancing the taste of meals and provide a burst of tanginess, spice, and savory goodness. Some of the popular types of pickles in the region are Ker Sangri, Mirchi Ke Tipore, Gunda Pickle, Laal Mirch, Aam Laccha, Hing Ki Chutney and Meetha Nimbu.- Pickles – a spicy side dish heavy with authentic flavors- are essential to Rajasthani cuisine.
Looking at the infinite possibilities stemming from our discoveries in Rajasthan’s capital, we began to envision how many of these unique ingredients could bloom into new culinary product lines. Kadi chokhanwali, Gatte ki sabzi, Panchmel dal Laal Maas, and Rajasthani Spice mix (Mathania chili, Hing, Pudina, Garam masala, Chaat masala) could be just the ingredients our future collaborators would need to create a delicious line of gravy and curry mixes derived from Rajasthani cuisine.
Cuisine from Camel Country
On our next stop, our team went to the heart of the Thar Desert, Bikaner. Famous for its camel breeding, this city is also commonly referred to as ‘Camel Country’. Their exploration found them in famous eateries such as Bishanlal Babulal, Bhikaram Chandmal, Bikaner Bhujia Bhandar and Agarwal Supari Bhandar, where they were able to sample the best of traditional namkeens that this city had to offer.
We discovered Bikaner’s passion for Namkeen! Paneer Bhurji, Tamatar Sev, Methi Bhujia, Hing Bhujia, Achari Mathri and Rajasthani Bhakarwadi are some namkeen varieties that are unlikely to be found anywhere else in India.
Jodhpuri Approach to Culinary Delights
On our last stop, our team dove into the Rajasthani cuisine offerings of another city in the middle of India’s Thar desert. Known for being the epicenter of Rajput history and culture, Jodhpur also served as a trade route which facilitated the amalgamation of many cultures and cuisines.
To explore the city’s best in snack and beverage specialities from Rajasthani cuisine, our team explored Janta Sweet Home, Shahi Samosa, Arora Chaat House, Sarangi and Shri Mishrilal to find out what made these establishments stay relevant through the ages. We discovered their diverse offerings in traditional and authentic Rajasthani Chaat, far more than the chaat dishes commonly recognised in India and across the globe.
Shahi Samosa, Bharwa Mirch, Kachori Dahi Chaat, Palak Chaat and Pyaaz Kachori are a few of our most unique chaat findings. Kaju Curry, Sev Curry and Panchmel Dal are some of the most popular gravies found in Jodhpur.
The Jodhpuri fascination with Shrikhand is similar to the Jaipuri preoccupation with the flavor profile, where even the curd used in chaat is flavored with elaichi, sugar and saffron!
Kachori Chaat, palak Dahi Chaat, Pyaaz Kachori/Stuffed Mirchi Vada and Jodhpuri Kaju Curries have the potential to create products that could create flavourful riots on the palate in the best possible way.
Conclusion
In concluding our journey through the hidden gems and famous dishes of Rajasthani cuisine, we find ourselves immersed in a rich tapestry of flavors, traditions, and culinary marvels. The culinary landscape of Rajasthan, beyond its renowned dishes, unravels a treasure trove of underrated places and hidden gems that showcase the ingenuity, resourcefulness, and cultural diversity ingrained in the state’s food heritage. For those eager to start on their own culinary adventure, Rajasthan’s hidden gems await discovery, promising a delightful fusion of tradition and taste.
So, whether you are a food enthusiast, a curious traveler, or someone seeking a deeper connection with history through flavors, Rajasthan beckons with its gastronomic wonders. It’s an invitation to savor not just the dishes but the essence of a land where every meal is a reflection of a vibrant past and a flavorful present.
